This is The Batman

The caped crusader marked his return to the silver screen in Warner Bros. The Batman, directed and co-written by Matt Reeves. Serving as a reboot of the Batman film franchise, the film exists independently of any past and current DC film projects; it is set in a brand new continuity solely focused on the Batman mythos. The premise sees Batman, two years into his crime fighting career in Gotham City. Faced with solving Riddler’s mystery, Batman embarks on a quest that unravels the corruption plaguing the city.

While The Batman is a slow-burn mystery, the thrill of small reveals in the unfolding story leaves the audience on the edge of its seat. Matt Reeves’ direction of suspenseful terror, exciting action sequences, and poignant emotion is perfect. The narrative deftly interwoven between the cast, stakes, and city. The world building is great, with this lived-in Gotham City, horrifying and broken and plagued by corruption and crime, the ideal setting for a Batman tale. The movie feels like a Batman comic put to screen, elevated by beautiful cinematography, perfect sound design, and Michael Giacchino’s wonderful score.

As for Batman himself, Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of this younger, vengeful Batman is the definitive live action interpretation. He has a powerful presence every time he is on screen as this legendary, yet grounded vigilante of the shadows. For the audience, this journey is a compelling tale of seeing a scarred and obsessive man learn and understand the Batman he needs to be as he faces the truth about himself and his city.

The entire cast of this film is fantastic, complementing Batman and the story to its fullest extent. The Riddler is a terrifying antagonist, delivering a perfect contrast to Batman’s own character through Paul Dano’s excellent yet chilling performance. Zoe Kravitz’s Selina Kyle provides a deeper look into a Gotham City that beautifully challenges Batman’s own perspective. And not to mention Jeffery Wright’s James Gordon, John Turturro’s Carmine Falcone, Andy Serkis’ Alfred Pennyworth, and Colin Farrell as the scene stealing Penguin, all playing their parts wonderfully.

This may seem like yet another Batman film, but it is truly unlike any of the previous installments in the Batman franchise. Matt Reeves has done his research and crafted a wholly new world for the Batman mythos in this compelling, suspenseful, and exciting tale. I recommend The Batman to any Batman or comic book movie fan.

Work Cited

“Home.” YouTube, https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.imdb.com%2Ftitle%2Ftt1877830%2F&psig=AOvVaw03OpqD_xnhHMzrXi5kBM_9&ust=1682183336533000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCOC7y7a7u_4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAg. Accessed 21 April 2023.